Hershey

Penn State Health St. Joseph implements 'No Visitors' policy at Bern Campus

HERSHEY, Pa. — Penn State Health St. Joseph is committed to the safety of patients, staff and the general public while providing high-quality care. To continue to provide this level of care during the evolving outbreak of COVID-19, St. Joseph has enacted a “No Visitors” policy, effective immediately, at its Bern Township campus, 2500 Bernville Road.

Exceptions will be made for end-of-life patients, patients in labor, and on a case-by-case basis. Anyone wishing to visit a patient at St. Joseph Medical Center should first contact the Patient Advocate at 610-378-2675.

To best protect patients and staff, St. Joseph is also asking family and friends of patients to not send any deliveries, such as food or flowers, to the hospital.

COVID-19 may cause cough, fever, or shortness of breath. Most individuals will have mild illness. Some people, particularly individuals over 60, those with underlying health problems, and pregnant women may have more serious illness requiring hospital care.

Penn State Health recommends that anyone with concerns that they may have COVID-19 call their provider, or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH, before going to a clinic, urgent care center, or emergency department. It is critical to have your initial encounter via phone and work with healthcare providers to determine the next steps regarding testing and where you should go to receive care, to limit potential exposure to others. Penn State Health’s telehealth service, Penn State Health OnDemand, is available for COVID-19 consultation, as well as any other acute illnesses.

Last Updated March 18, 2020

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